AIBU to think this intimidating house buying letter should be reported to police?

This reminds me of similar scams in the USA. Scammers pose as "foreclosure specialists" to approach people behind on their mortgage payments, offering a way to save their homes. They trick owners into signing complex paperwork disguised as financial assistance, when in reality, the owner is signing their property over to a shell company for a fraction of its value. Another scam is real estate agents aggressively target older or financially vulnerable Black homeowners with cash offers. By using high-pressure tactics and manipulation, these agents convince owners the property is worth less, buy it for a lowball price, and quickly resell it for a massive profit.

Massive reach!

They've received a letter through their door.

Nothing else.

Goodness me!

Do you not get post?!

Don't you see that some police see protecting the elderly against scum as part of their job?

it's nothing like a tweet.

Can your friend get together with other neighbours to that someone is with the elderly couple at the time these people say they will visit, to help them simply say "No thanks" and close the door? Or alternatively suggest to them they can go round to someone else's for the morning that day? Or could the couple just decide that's the day they're going out for a cup of coffee?

As would I.

My mother lived in her house for nearly 50 years and had many of those letters - quiet cul de sac. Well into her 90s she ignored them.

Throw it in the bin.

Whoever sent the letter is committing a GDPR breach by using the elderly couple’s data in a way that they haven’t agreed to. They could report the, to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). I think they should tell the police too and say they feel intimidated.

Chances are it’s poorly thought out and presumptuous business practice rather than an attempt at intimidation. I think I would report to Trading Standards rather than the police, at least initially. And be out at the time of the “appointment”, or have someone else there to tell. Mr Common Surname to go away.

However, if there is any sort of follow up or pressure (like mother letter), THEN I would escalate to police.

Because someone has said they are going to come round to ask about buying a house? I really don't think they would.

But don't you see, that if everyone who has the mildest bit of anxiety introduced into their lives goes running to the police, every threshold is lowered.

This may seem very reasonable in the context of these facts but really it's no different to someone calling the police because of a tweet they don't like.

Believe me, you don't want the police to start policing things that are not actual or immediately likely to be proper crimes.

On the off chance that this is a genuine letter and not just someone trying to stir up tension in the neighbourhood (HMOs being very much the Big Bad Wolf of the moment, despite them often being rented by students and young professionals) if you insist on contacting the police, do it online, don't call them. You'll find the contact details on your local police force website. If you phone them they're likely to say it's a civil matter and no crime has been committed. I'd be absolutely stunned if they sent a PCSO as some have suggested they would. They just don't have the resources.

If the people who received the letter are concerned, can they not just go out at that time? If they are housebound is there no one in the community that could go and sit with them at that time? A Good Neighbour scheme, a friend or a family member? Do they have a day care centre that they could attend? Could they call the Silver Line at the time this person is meant to attend so that they are occupied at that time?

Jesus no wonder our emergency services are over stretched. They have received some junk mail. What exactly is the crime?

Does £7 give you all of, the names and number of people living in the house and their ages?

As an aside, it doesn’t take an Inspector Clouseau to get one of the funniest of Peter Sellers’ characters name correct.

Whoever sent the letter is committing a GDPR breach by using the elderly couple’s data in a way that they haven’t agreed to. They could report the, to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). I think they should tell the police too and say they feel intimidated.

Whoever sent the letter is committing a GDPR breach by using the elderly couple’s data in a way that they haven’t agreed to. They could report the, to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office). I think they should tell the police too and say they feel intimidated.

Tell them to say they’re not selling because their adult grandsons are moving as soon as they get back from the cage fighting championships.

This reminds me of similar scams in the USA. Scammers pose as "foreclosure specialists" to approach people behind on their mortgage payments, offering a way to save their homes. They trick owners into signing complex paperwork disguised as financial assistance, when in reality, the owner is signing their property over to a shell company for a fraction of its value. Another scam is real estate agents aggressively target older or financially vulnerable Black homeowners with cash offers. By using high-pressure tactics and manipulation, these agents convince owners the property is worth less, buy it for a lowball price, and quickly resell it for a massive profit.

How is it paid by the taxpayer? My tax definitely doesn't go to subsidizing landlords. In fact, landlords pay tax on rent. We may not like HMOs, but surely they are helpful for the tax budget.

Genuinely happy to be corrected if I'm wrong here.

HMOs in student areas - understand. Then in other places of the city near to us, it’s disgusting with fly tipping, overflowing bins etc.

Landlords refuse to pay a one off £50 for a larger bin.

Also some councils have limits to the number of HMOs.

My friend’s brother who is very muscular is willing to help out if needed